Jean (Jeanne) M. Newmiller's Obituary
Jean (Jeanne) M. Newmiller passed away peacefully on March 1, 2020 at The Life Care Center in Port Townsend. She was 87. Jean (Jeanne) was born on August 18, 1932 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, SD to Reuben Charles Neuhauser and Bertha Magdalene Boysen. The youngest of 7, she grew up on a ranch 70 miles outside of Pierre.
Jeanne worked as a secretary for Sigurd Anderson, Governor of SD from June 1949 until March 1, 1954 then moved to Bremerton to marry her love, Gene, in July 1954. The couple moved to Lakewood in 1964 and resided there until Gene’s death in September 2008. Jeanne worked from home for many years as a typist, transcribing notes for court reporters and typing college papers. Jeanne also worked at the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, in real estate offices and banking, and at the Child Study and Treatment Center at Western State Hospital. She retired from the State Attorney General’s Tacoma office in 1992.
Jeanne found time to be a Brownie and Junior Girl Scout leader, camper, bird lover and lover of all things green. She could identity native plants on a hike, and loved her greenhouse, garden, birdfeeders, and flowers. She was a seamstress of clothing, grandchildren’s Halloween costumes, beautiful quilts, and could mend and do needlework; many friends and family have benefited from a gift of beautiful embroidered pillowcases or a handmade quilt. There was always some craft or project in progress at home with her girls: beaded Christmas ornaments, macramé, crochet, ceramics classes, rock tumbling, candle making, and in later years leaded stained glass.
Jeanne was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for 69 years, a member of the Lakewood Court Order of Amaranth, and the United Methodist Church in Lakewood. Jeanne was also a dedicated and welcoming friend and neighbor to many that moved in and out of the neighborhood over their many years there.
In addition to two daughters, Rena of Port Townsend and Ronda of Edgewood, Jeanne left behind six grandchildren, four great-grand children, many nieces and nephews, and brother Raymond of Pierre. She loved her family dearly and would do anything for them. Deeply loved in return, she has left an empty spot in many hearts.
A celebration of life is being planned for Sep 26th, 1 pm, at the Aspen Chapel. Please check back in case the date must be changed.
Remembrances in Jeanne’s name may be made to The Hospice of Jefferson County, 2500 West Sims Way, Ste. 304, Port Townsend, WA. 98368.
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